Accounting and Finance Degree Programs at DeSales University
DeSales University is also featured in our ranking of the Top 35 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Finance.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions for accounting and finance positions are expected to grow by six percent over the next ten years. Most positions in accounting and finance require at least a bachelor’s degree with salaries that average $70,500 per year. DeSales University offers many degree programs, some available completely online, that prepare individuals for careers in this growing industry.
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
DeSales University offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with the option to focus the degree in forensic accounting. Students are also able to enter a five-year Master of Business Administration with a focus in accounting that allows them to meet the 150-credit requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accounting examination. Students gain an understanding of management, marketing, and financial management. They are also provided instruction in managerial accounting, corporate financial reporting, strategic cost management, and federal income taxation. All courses are taught with a strong Christian foundation. The program is only available on campus.
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Finance program may choose the financial planning track or may choose the five-year MBA program. Students gain an understanding of management, macroeconomics, and microeconomics. The program also covers both financial and managerial accounting. Courses that may be required include Money and Banking, Investments, Financial Management, Financial Markets, and Financial Accounting. It is only available on campus.
Bachelor of Science in Accounting – Data Analytics Track
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a Data Analytics track is designed for those who have sharp attention to detail and an interest in numbers. Currently, data analytics and data scientists are highly sought in today’s job market. Students gain an understanding of structures, concepts, mathematics and computer languages used in data analytics. They also learn software and cloud platforms commonly used in the field, including Tableau, SAS, Microsoft Azure and more. Using open-source datasets, students conduct real data analytics projects, all using a curriculum heavily based in the Catholic faith. The program is only available on campus.
Certificate in Certified Financial Planner Board-Registered Program
The Certified Financial Planner Board Registered Certificate Program is the only program of its kind in Lehigh Valley. Successful completion of the program allows students to sit for the CFP Certification Examination. Students gain an understanding of personal financial planning in preparation for careers in banks, brokerage firms, law offices and the benefits departments of businesses. Courses may include income tax planning, retirement and estate planning, risk management, investments and portfolio management, as well as financial plan development. The program is available both on campus and online.
Certificate in Financial Management
The Certificate in Financial Management is an accelerated program offered on campus with a convenient evening and weekend format. The program provides students with an understanding of accounting fundamentals, legal processes, federal income tax and other aspects of financial management. Courses include Principles of Macroeconomics, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Quantitative Business Analysis, Money and Banking as well as Financial Management.
Master of Business Administration in Accounting
The Master of Business Administration in Accounting at DeSales University provides students with relevant accounting-specific courses and electives in order to provide perspective in the industry. Students integrate classroom learning with a capstone course and all courses are taught with a strong Catholic focus. Courses may include Financial and Managerial Accounting, Business and Society, Financial Management and Business Computing.
Master of Business Administration in Finance
The Master of Business Administration in Finance is top-ranked by US News & World Report, Lehigh Valley Business and OnlineMBAToday.com. The program requires seven core courses, three concentration courses, and one elective course. Students apply classroom knowledge with a capstone course that includes a real-world project. Courses required may include Investment and Portfolio Management, Risk Management and Insurance, Retirement and Estate Planning as well as Financial Plan Development.
About DeSales University
In 1961, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph McShea became Bishop of the Allentown Diocese, appointed by Pope John XXIII. One of his first actions was to identify available educational facilities of the Diocese. At the time, there were excellent options for elementary and high school students but there were no institutes of higher learning based in the Catholic faith. Bishop McShea began a drive to raise funds to expand the high school system as well as to create a Catholic college for men. The Oblates of St. Francis DeSales agreed to assume responsibility for the liberal arts college.
A charter authorizing the Allentown College of St. Francis deSales to award bachelor’s degrees was granted in 1964 and classes began in 1965. In 1970, the college became co-educational. The school became DeSales University in 2000.
Today, DeSales University has an enrollment of more than 3,400 students. It has been ranked as one of the best value regional universities by US News & World Report.
DeSales University Accreditation Details
DeSales University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This accreditation indicates that DeSales University offers programs that meet or exceed the criteria determined by the Commission that indicate excellence in education. It also indicates that the school has the resources to meet its stated goals and objectives. In addition, programs throughout the school are accredited by the following organizations:
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
- Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
DeSales University Application Requirements
Applicants for the Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a Data Analytics Track, Bachelor of Science in Finance must provide official high school transcripts as well as an official ACT or SAT score. They must also submit a completed Guidance Counselor and Teacher Recommendation Form.
Applicants for the Certified Financial Planner Board-Certified Program certificate or Certificate of Financial Planning must have a career that conflicts with attendance in a traditional college experience or must be a veteran or active duty service member. They must have been out of high school for five or more years and must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
In order to apply for the Master of Business Administration in Accounting or Finance, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A current resume, three professional references and a personal statement are required. Applicants must also have a 3.0 GPA or higher although GMAT scores may be substituted for GPA requirements.
DeSales University Tuition & Financial Aid
Full-time tuition for the Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a Data Analytics Track, Bachelor of Science in Finance is $37,200 per year. Tuition for the Certified Financial Planner Board-Certified Program and Certificate of Financial Planning is $508 per credit hour. Tuition for the Master of Business Administration in Accounting or Finance is $855 per credit hour.
DeSales University is committed to the principles of the Roman Catholic doctrine and the search for truth that is found in intellectual freedom and an openness to all that is good.
